Car-based Midsize SUVs

Comments

Not an SUV, but since you are used to the flexibility of your Villager, you might want to consider an AWD Sienna. The LE version can be had for about $26,500. Don't know about its towing capacity. The Highlander and Pilot are both good choices - but if you need the third seat, the Highlander's isn't really very useful. The Pilot is a little larger if you need the space, but IMO didn't handle as well and was not as quiet as the Highlander.

Echoing gasman1 and lmn908 the Highlander and Pilot were the two that immediately came to mind -- not familar with the Villager Sport so can't say how these compare. (I have the Highlander.) Not sure how heavy a Waverunner is but the Highlander's towing capacity is 3500 lbs; get one equipped with the tow prep package (larger radiator and transmission cooler). The Highlander can hold quite alot of stuff as I do construction work (can fold flat second (60/40) and/or third row seats), but if it isn't enough then get the Pilot. Yes the third row seat on the Highlander is only appropriate for small kids or short trips. It's ride is quiet and the seats are comfortable; a V6 AWD base model should be just within your price range.

(Forget the Hybrid -- while it has more power than a conventional Highlander (the electric motor assists the V6), for some reason I remember a poster or two on the Highlander Hybrid boards not being comfortable towing a heavy load(?) but you should verify this. Also the $33K entry price will kill your budget and it will take perhaps 10 years to recoup the savings in gas.)

Real-life gas mileage on the non-hybrid V6 AWD will be 17-19 mpg city and ~22 mpg highway (EPA:18-22). The V6 Highlander should have enough power for you.

(But then again if a waverunner is one of those light jet skis and mileage is important and you don't mind chancing the $33K/gas recoupment cost, you may still consider the Hybrid; post your question on the Highlander Hybrid board. The Hybrid is heavier (batteries and electric motor) but has better gas mileage (real world 25-30 mpg city) and more power (~equivalent to a V8).)

I did notice that the CX-7 requires Premium gas for the Turbo 4cyl engine, but the Edge (sister vehicle) will need only 87 grade for the 3.5 duratec V6. I guess it comes down to do you want to pay the extra amount at the pump for the Turbo?

I would not call them "sister" vehicles. They are actually quite different. One is Japanese, the other is American. Although they are built on a version of the Mazda6 platform, they are not the same. Not even close.

Oh my god, the new CRV looks so bad i can't believe honda did that. Man is it ugly

I don't think the new crv nor rav 4 will be able to handle the much luxurious santa fe. Better exterior, interior and roomier, quieter ride, more value and still it will be cheaper by a couple of grand

I am really considering a Saturn Outlook, a Ford Edge, or a Mazda CX-7 for my next vehicle.----------------------------------

My preference of those three is the Edge. I like the CX7's looks but I think a turbo4 is the wrong choice for this segment. And it uses premium fuel. The Outlook looks good but it's bigger than the other two. I'd be more interested in the new Vue coming in 08. The Edge looks sharp, it's the right size and it has a strong V6...something Ford has been missing until now.